BENEDICT Cumberbatch said he’s “thrilled to be back” on filming for the fourth series of Sherlock.

He returns to the popular BBC One show in the leading role, with Martin Freeman as his trusty assistant, Doctor Watson.

Fans will see the famous detective “back on British soil” and Watson will tackle a new challenge: parenthood.

The series will return with three feature length episodes, the first of which will be directed by Rachel Talalay. Her previous TV credits include Doctor Who, The Flash and The Wind In The Willows.

No air date for the new series of Sherlock has yet been given.